Galatasaray and Trabzonspor Go Head To Head For Premier League Midfielder

AFC Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing has attracted significant interest from two major Turkish clubs, Trabzonspor and Galatasaray, as they seek to strengthen their squads before the Super Lig transfer window closes on 13 September.

It is reported that clubs are actively pursuing Billing, hoping to add the 28-year-old to their ranks, but Bournemouth are keen to keep the player despite his limited game time this season.

Galatasaray have been particularly focused on reinforcing their midfield after missing out on other targets, such as Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie. Billing has emerged as a key option for the Istanbul giants, who are eyeing him as a crucial part of their midfield overhaul.  Similarly, Trabzonspor are looking to bolster their midfield, and Billing’s experience in the Premier League has made him a strong candidate. Both clubs face a race against time to secure his signature before the transfer deadline, and Bournemouth’s stance will likely be a deciding factor in whether the Danish international moves to Turkey​.

Billing began his professional career at Huddersfield Town after signing a youth contract in 2013. His first-team debut came in April 2014, but it wasn’t until the 2015–16 season that he became a regular fixture in the side, impressing with standout performances including a long-range goal against Nottingham Forest. His breakthrough came in the 2016–17 season, which saw him play 24 games, earning the club’s Youth Player of the Season award and Goal of the Season for his stunning volley against Cardiff City.

In 2019, Billing joined Bournemouth for an estimated £15 million, making an immediate impact with goals in both the FA Cup and the Premier League. His consistency over the years has made him a key player for the Cherries, including scoring eight goals in the 2020–21 Championship season and netting one of the Premier League’s fastest-ever goals against Arsenal in March 2023, timed at just 9.11 seconds.

Billing has also represented Denmark at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2020. Despite being approached by Nigeria to switch allegiances, he remains committed to Denmark’s national team setup. In August 2023, he signed a new contract with Bournemouth, keeping him at the club until 2027.

As it stands, neither Turkish club has finalised a deal, leaving his future uncertain as the transfer window approaches on September 13th. There’s also the question as to whether the Cherries wish to sell – recently, manager Andoni Iraola said; “I see him happy. I don’t want to lose Philip Billing. I think he is a very, very good footballer and [I don’t think he will leave], as with any player I can’t guarantee it because you never know what will happen tomorrow. But no, I think he will stay. At least my opinion is that he will stay with us.”

Site Opinion

There’s no doubt Billing is a player capable of playing at the top of the Super Lig, which is where both suitors see themselves this season. However, Galatasaray can offer Europa League football, while Trabzonspor were eliminated from both the Europa League (Rapid Wien) and Conference League (St Gallen), which could make them a less attractive prospect.

That’s if the player even moves – the English window is closed, so he can’t be replaced and perhaps Bournemouth will see hanging on to him, at least until January, as the better prospect.